The DC brothers released after being convicted of extrajudicial killings are seeking a presidential pardon
Two brothers who spent decades in prison after being convicted of a 1984 Washington, DC murder, which they say they did not commit, are seeking a presidential pardon.
Charles and Chris Turner were convicted as juveniles of murdering Catherine Fuller in Northeast Washington, DC near 8th and H Street, Fox 5 DC reports.
They have been released and are fighting for an amnesty that will help restore their rights.
“With the pardon, we get a chance to fix all of that and close this case once and for all,” Chris Turner told Fox 5 DC.
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After decades behind bars for a crime they didn’t commit, the brothers maintain a positive outlook on the future and the impact they can have moving forward, insisting they won’t let their guilt stop them mentally.
“People get really upset that we’re not bitter,” Chris Turner said. “We think that if you stay bitter, stay angry about what happened – even though it was brutal and unfair – that you stay mentally closed.”
The case revealed allegations of suppressed testimony, coerced testimony and investigative errors.
17 people have been arrested in connection with Fuller’s murder, and eight have been convicted, according to Fox 5 DC. The six who are still alive all maintain their innocence after being imprisoned for more than 200 years.
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The Turner brothers are involved in their community and remain optimistic about their future, although limitations in areas such as job opportunities remain due to their criminal records.
“We actually said we could join the police force if we didn’t have this on our record … I always wanted to be in the Navy. I can’t serve my country because I have a record,” said Charles Turner. .
The brothers’ fight for amnesty represents an important step to restore their dignity and the rights they lost in their conviction.
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Charles Turner said he believes the pardon will vindicate him and the five other convicted men, as well as his family, friends and other supporters.
“It will also confirm – help confirm – what they know, not what they believe, but what they know. There’s a big difference there,” he said.
Most presidential pardons are granted between Election Day and Inauguration Day.
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